Lord Cornwallis made several unsuccessful attempts to defeat Tippoo Sultan, an implacable enemy of the British. In 1792 he finally succeeded and took the ruler's two sons as hostages to ensure a lasting peace (see lots 95 and 100). In 1799 the British stormed Seringapatam (see lot 104) and Tippoo was killed. Among those who discovered his body was Arthur Wellesley, later created Duke of Wellington, victor of Waterloo